Dave Lang nixes run for selectman

HAMPTON — After entering his name to fill a position on the Board of Selectmen last year, Dave Lang says he won't file to run for one of the three open seats to be filled in March.

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By Nick B. Reid

seacoastonline.com

By Nick B. Reid

Posted Jan. 14, 2014 at 2:00 AM

By Nick B. Reid
Posted Jan. 14, 2014 at 2:00 AM

» Social News

HAMPTON — After entering his name to fill a position on the Board of Selectmen last year, Dave Lang says he won't file to run for one of the three open seats to be filled in March.

Lang, the president of the Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire and a retired Hampton fire captain, said he gave "due consideration" to making a bid but concluded that he didn't have enough time.

"In order to achieve the fullest Hampton has to offer, Hampton needs elected officials that can dedicate their full attention (to improving the town). Unfortunately at this time, I am unable to make that commitment," Lang said.

Lang extended thanks "to all of the great people in Hampton that encouraged me, offered their support and their guidance."

"I am truly grateful," he said.

Lang spent a considerable amount of time in the last several years fighting for municipal members of the Local Government Center to ensure that organization complies with the law and achieves transparency. The cause he's championed earned another victory last week.

The state Supreme Court agreed on Friday with state officials and the NHPFF that the LGC — a municipal insurer funded by public employees, retirees and municipalities — kept millions of dollars in surplus money that was overpaid for health insurance and that the LGC must refund that surplus.

The decision upholds a prior order by a hearings officer that said the LGC must refund tens of millions of dollars it overcharged for health insurance in the past, and continue to refund surplus money in the future. The 21-page order by the state's highest court also found the LGC violated law by "purporting" to issue refunds in the form of insurance rate stabilization, instead of by cash or credit.

Lang said a recent announcement proposing a reorganization of ex-LGC entities "smacks in the face of the Supreme Court decision" and that he would continue to ensure millions of dollars are repaid to members, that full transparency is achieved and that workers can fully trust LGC risk pools.

"We have come too far and gained too much to stop now," he said.

Meanwhile, though he won't run for the Board of Selectmen, Lang reiterated a few points he believes the board should focus on.

"I want Hampton to be a town that working families are proud to call home — a town that is safe to raise a family in, and where these families get the services that support their successful and busy lives," he said.

He said he wants to ensure the town is supportive of retiring seniors and that it makes thoughtful decisions that ensure infrastructure is well maintained.

"I want Hampton to be a town that supports and welcomes successful business, recognizing that business creates the high-quality jobs that support these working families," he said.